Planning, Land Use, and Zoning

Office Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 

8:00 am - 3:30 pm (closed from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)

Closed on Tuesdays


Commercial and residential development project permit applications and inspection requests can be submitted online and all staff members are available by phone or email.

The Planning Division is responsible for current and long range planning activities which implement the City’s General Plan. Current planning activities include reviewing and permitting development activities to ensure new development and redevelopment projects are consistent with the City’s General Plan, Plan Area Statements, and Title 6, Development Services, of the South Lake Tahoe City Code. 

The City’s planning, land use and zoning services are intended to protect, maintain and develop an attractive, safe, and healthy community by providing planning services to the general public, project applicants, and other City Departments.

The Planning Division provides the staff support for the City of South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission and Airport Land Use Commission.

Planning Application Submittal

We strongly encourage those interested in submitting a general planning application, sign permit, or major temporary activity application for planning review to do so by using our electronic submittal process. Please download the appropriate application and email it, along with applicable documents and the Credit Card Authorization Form. Questions, corrections and/or notifications regarding the application will be emailed to the applicant. Application fees can also be paid with a credit card over the phone, or by mailing a check (made out to the City of South Lake Tahoe) or the Credit Card Authorization Form to the Planning Division: 1052 Tata Lane, South Lake Tahoe, California 96150. 

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Permit Center at (530) 542-6010 or contact John Hitchcock, Planning Manager at (530) 542-7472 or via email.

Online Land Use and Zoning Maps

View the City’s online Zoning Map.